Page:Harmony of the divine attributes displayed in the redemption and salvation of sinners by Jesus Christ.pdf/12

                                   (12) ' before the Lord, or bow himself before the Most High ‘ God ? Will thoufands of rams do it, or ten thousand ‘ the soul; No, no, sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, for it is impossible that the blood of bulls or of goats should take away sins. Heb. x. 5. What then, will angels become surety for the sin of man ? No, no, tho' they had a will they have not power, they have but oil enough in their vessels for their own lamps, what then shall be done ? Why might peace say, let us not. stand in a demure, we have infinite wisdom here present with us at this meeting, let us hear her judgment anent this peaceable proposal, if it be possible that such a person can be found, in whom we pay harmoniously center at last. Then wisdom sits down upon the privy council bench, and being full of eyes, does gravely determine this doubtful case with a happy issue. It is expedient, says wisdom, That one die for the people, that the whole nation of mankind perish not, but he must be such a righteous one that can justify many; yea, he that will undertake this, must be finite, that he may die, and infinite that he may conquer death, and satisfy infinite justice ; but lo, there is none such to be found among all the creatures that ever God made, neither can such an one be found unless the Son of God himself, the second person of the glorious Trinity shall be pleased, by an unspeakable mystery, to become flesh, made of a woman, ‘ Made under the law, to redeem them‘that are under the law, that they may receive the adoption of sons,’ Gal. iv. 4. That so, when he that hath no sin shall become sin for man; man who hath no righteousness, ' may become the righteousness of God through him,’ 2 Cor. v. Lost and thus mercy may be magnified, truth justified, righteousness cleared, justice satisfied, peace concluded : and all contented. Wisdom having determined how this proposal of peace might be effectuate, all parties hearkened, as it were with pleafure and willingly subscribed to the happy overture, and then heaven and earth conspired together in solemn thanksgiving, saying, ‘ Glory be to God in the highest; on earth peace, and good will towards
 * 'of rivers of oil, or the fruit of the body, for the sin of